Apple Cocktails For Surviving Thanksgiving

The author’s apple-flavored beverages KAIT HANSON PHOTO

Thanksgiving means spending time with family and friends and recognizing everything you’re thankful for. And one thing I think we all can be thankful for are delicious beverages.

So this week, I’ve compiled recipes for various apple cocktails that are suitable for morning, noon and night to keep your Thanksgiving Day get-together rocking.

Real talk: The holiday section of Target sucks me in every single time. When I discovered Sparkling ICE made a calorie-free apple-flavored beverage while I was browsing the holiday goodies, it was as if the fall gods opened up the heavens and rained down upon me. I love apple cider, but incorporating it into drinks usually means piling on extra sugar and calories — no, thank you! I grabbed a couple bottles and got to work in my kitchen. I have to admit, the results were delicious!

Grab a bottle or two of Sparkling ICE Crisp Apple, your family and friends, and let’s get this cocktail party started.

MORNING
Apple Bellini

4 ounces champagne
2 ounces Crisp Apple
Apple for garnish
Pour ingredients into a
champagne glass. Serve
chilled.

Serves 1.

NOON
Apple Sangria

1 bottle Crisp Apple
1 750mL bottle of white wine (I used a pinot grigio!)
1/2 cup apples, chopped
1/2 cup pears, chopped
1/2 cup oranges, chopped
1/4 cup sugar

Pour ingredients into a pitcher.

Place in your refrigerator overnight. Serve chilled.

Serves 6-8.

NIGHT

Apple Pie Shot for two

2 ounces Crisp Apple
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce Fireball whipped cream for garnish

Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.

Pour into two shot glasses.

Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.